Despite myself, I can't help feeling empty and confused by his mixed signals. Nobody kisses someone the way he kissed me without feelingsomething, so why is he ignoring me now? It’s like he can't even bear to look at me. Even though seducing him was all part of my plan, I can't help feeling a little used and hurt.
Balling up my shaking fists, I resist the urge to react. He doesn’t get to be the one who shuts me out. I want to jump out of my desk and walk over to him and pound my fists on his desk until he fucking looks at me. I’m not going to let him pretend I’m not here, or that he doesn’t see me. I’m not going to let him walk away like I don’t fucking exist or matter.
He ignored me before. I’m not going to let it happen again. He sure as shit liked looking at me the other night when he thought I was sleeping.
The bell rings, but I don’t move. Instead, I busy myself with packing up my backpack and wait for the last few students to file out so I can confront him.
A shadow hovers over me, so I look up, expecting Sam, but instead I find myself staring into the smiling face of Lucas. He's an attractive guy, tall and blond and athletic, with more swagger than sense. Most girls would be thrilled to have a guy like Lucas talk to them, but I’m not most girls. For me, he’s nothing more than an inconvenience. He leans against the desk behind him, folding his arms over his chest.
“Hey, new girl.”
“Can I help you with something?” I reply, tossing my hair.
“You can help me by saying you’ll come by my place tonight. My parents are out of town and I’m having a party.”
Parties are not really my thing, so I’m about to say no and wipe that confident smirk off his self-assured lips when I catch Sam’s gaze. He’s glaring at us, making no attempt to hide the disdain in his eyes. I can’t work out why he looks so damn angry and then it hits me. He’s jealous of me talking with Lucas.
Maybe I can work this to my advantage…
“Sure, why not?” I say, spreading my lips into a smile. “Text me your address and I’ll be there.”
I run my hand through my hair and smile as Lucas talks, even though I’m not really listening. I’m too focused on Sam, who looks like he wants to punch the shit out of Lucas. It feels kind of good knowing I’m getting under his skin. Maybe this is what I need to push him over the line and finally get him to act on the feelings he obviously has for me.
God knows I could use the break.
Lucas texts me his address after I give him my number, then he swaggers out of the classroom, leaving me and Sam alone. Grabbing my backpack, I sling it over my shoulder and go to leave, but he steps in front of me, blocking my way.
“What was that all about?”
“Relax,” I drawl. “It’s a party, not an all-night orgy.”
“It’s high school. Like there’s a difference,” he mutters under his breath. “Look, Chloe…” He clears his throat, and looks down, briefly, then away. “About last night…”
“Let me guess. It never should have happened?” I jump in before he can say it.
“I'm sorry,” Sam murmurs, guilt crossing his face. “I let you down…”
Yeah, no shit.
“It’s fine.” I flip my hair over my shoulder and pretend I don’t care. “And you’re right. I should be more focused on boys my own age.”
His eyes darken, just like I hoped they would. I hope he’s imagining Lucas’s hands all over my body while his tongue invades my tonsils—that’s how I assume high school boys kiss.
“You should be careful around Lucas,” he adds, standing and meeting my eyes again. “He's got a bad rep.”
“Says the teacher who kissed his student,” I quip back, arching a brow.
His face hardens. “I'm just saying, watch out for yourself around him. He’s bad news.”
“Thanks, but I can handle myself.”
“Like the other night in the park?” he challenges.
I glare at him through narrowed eyes. “I think I handled myself pretty well, all things considered. And that’s kind of a low blow, don’t you think? I wasattacked,” I hiss.
“I wasn’t using it against you—”
“You were,” I retort, not backing down. “At least have the balls to admit it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a party to get ready for.”